What a remarkably inspiring day we have had today – twenty International Women’s Day speakers have shared their considerable expertise and their experiences with the Roedean community, each echoing this year’s IWD theme #AccelerateAction. If every single student is inspired by just one speaker, the day will be a huge success, but I am sure that many will leave all five of their talks today with a new-found interest and a determination to find out more. Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved!
Roedean marked World Book Day yesterday with typical fun and excellent engagement. Many of the students enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book characters, and the runway fashion show in the Library was great – congratulations to Jemima in Year 9, who was named as wearing the best outfit overall. I have no doubt that the School will have raised a good total for charity, and thank you to Mrs Bailey and Ms Shillito who worked so hard to make it a great success.
On Wednesday, Roedean hosted the U12 and U13 SISNA Netball tournaments. Our teams played very well against strong Netball schools, and well done in particular to the U13s who came third. I am very grateful to the PE department for organising and running the event so well.
I enjoyed hearing some of our top Music Scholars performing on Tuesday evening. The programme was impressively varied, and our musicians were able to showcase their talents in the lovely warm acoustic of the Old Ref. I am also looking forward to next week’s Chamber Music workshop and concert. Thank you to the Music Department and to our talented musicians.
I hope that you all enjoy a lovely, restful weekend, and keep in mind this year’s IWD theme #AccelerateAction.
Book Day at Roedean
Roedean Mill
The Roedean Art Department's Heddle Table Loom is set up for plain weave. You are welcome to come by the Art Studio and join in our collaborative project to weave a length of fabric row by row. Add a row of weft thread by running the shuttle along the warp threads that are separated by the reed, and alternate the position of the reed in-between each row. Please ask for help and a short demonstration on using the loom, but it would be wonderful for many of you to contribute to this project!
Unsung heroes in the spotlight
Each week, many wonderful things happen at Roedean, about which many in the school are perhaps unaware; this section of the weekly review is dedicated to ‘unsung heroes’, in order to draw our attention to these people and remind us that our community is special.
Roedean IWD 2025
for volunteering to
Harrie and Deema (Yr7), Dixie (Yr8), Isla (Yr9), Lydia (Yr12), Mairi (Yr13) – for their fantastic presentations about inspirational women this week during Academic Lectures [Ms Ibanez Barcelo]
Annie and Zaina (Yr9) –
support children from St Mark's who are fasting for Ramadan while at Roedean on Thursday [Miss Kelsey]
Miss Good
Chamber Music Day –
Tuesday 11 March
This year’s Chamber Music Day is being run by trio of incredible musicians from the Classical Kicks Ensemble: Lizzie Ball (Violin), Miloš Milivojević (Accordion), and Gabriella Swallow (Cello). Created and founded by Lizzie Ball, The Classical Kicks Ensemble was formed from the success of the numerous Classical Kicks resident live concerts held at London’s iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club between 2012-2020. During this residency, Lizzie combined a wide range of music and musicians, from string quartets to beat boxing flute players. The Classical Kicks Ensemble perform a programme of primarily classical music, flavoured with pieces from world, folk, bluegrass, and jazz musical genres, all presented in Lizzie’s warm and informal style with a storytelling approach and audience engagement at the fore. The core quartet of players are in demand on the international stage and each have the unique ability to improvise as well as perform core classical repertoire.
Following the chamber music workshops during the day with Roedean musicians, we are delighted that the trio will be performing for us in an evening concert, alongside some of the student groups.
The programme will include the following:
■ Libor Tango – Astor Piazzolla
■ Six Romanian Folk Dances – Bêla Bartok
■ La Vie en Rosé – Louiguy/Edith Piaf
■ Summer – Vivaldi/Richter
■ Hasta Sempre – Trad. Cubon arr. Ball, lyrics Carlos Puebla
Please do come along to see this concert – it will be in the Old Ref, at 19:00, and promises to be a wonderful experience.
Ms Bartlette
SPOKE Art Documentary Awards
This week, I had the honour of accompanying Iwa in Year 12 to the SPOKE Art Documentary Awards at the Paul Mellon Centre in London.
Three of our students entered the competition this year: Meghan and Caroline in Year 11, who produced captivating documentaries on works by John Martin and Vanessa Baird, and Iwa, whose exploration of Monet’s ethereal impressionist studies of the Thames and its surrounding landscapes earned her a place on the shortlist for the 17-18 years category.
At the event, Iwa and I had the opportunity to talk to other short-listed students, some of the judges, and the
organiser of the competition, art historian, Tom Parsons, before the ceremony began. Prizes were awarded to the runner up and winners from the two categories, and their documentaries on works by Pauline Boty, Chris Ofili, and Marcus Harvey were shown to the room.
It is worth noting that the majority of other students at the event were studying Art History as a subject, so we are particularly proud of our students who took up the challenge as a co-curricular activity, and took real ownership over their research and production.
Huge congratulations go to Iwa, and to Meghan and Caroline on their tremendous efforts!
Mrs Nightingale
World Book Day at Roedean
It was wonderful to see so many students dressing up as inspirational book characters yesterday to mark World Book Day. To showcase the wonderful outfits, alongside the Pop-Up Book Sale in the Library at lunchtime, there was also book costume runway! There were three categories and an overall winner:
Best Group – the Prefects presented The Wizard of Oz – Kaitlin, Galina, Ella, Liv, and Eva
Most Creative – Xena, Millie, Sky, and Anna (Yr11), for their interpretation of Of Mice And Men
Best Home-Made – Charlotte, Lara, Tilly, Lily, and Lola (Yr8), for their representation of characters from the Wings of Fine, complete with home-made dragon wings
Congratulations to Jemima (Yr8), who was named the Overall Winner, for her Queen of Hearts costume.
Ms Shillito and Mrs Bailey
From Fabric to Fashion: Roedean Academy’s Structural Design Challenge
Last week, the talented students of the Roedean Academy worked collaboratively to produce structural, three-dimensional garment designs inspired by visionary designers, Alexander McQueen and Elie Saab. After analysing the use of form, shape, and texture in various gowns, students sought to incorporate similar elements into their own creations.
Using intricate fabric manipulation techniques, including pleating, darting, gathering, and folding, they transformed simple materials into elaborate designs that both accentuated and transcended the human figure.
Each team was given just five metres of fabric, with one restriction: no cutting allowed! This challenge required them to think innovatively,
carefully considering the fabric’s properties to ensure both balance and artistic vision.
Through teamwork, ingenuity, and a fearless approach to design, the students crafted striking, creations that wouldn’t look out of place on a high-fashion runway!
Mrs Silburn
Year 12 CAP – Afternoon Tea and Musical Entertainment with The Somerset Centre
We were joined on Wednesday by 21 elderly members from the Somerset Centre, who came to enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment provided by our Community Music group and a delicious afternoon tea prepared by our Community Cooking group.
This event was held in Horizons and was a collaboration between 3 of our Year 12 CAP groups (Community Music, Community Cooking, and The Somerset Centre group). This saw over 25 students in Year 12 come together and serve their community in variety of different roles.
There was a great atmosphere throughout the afternoon, with the Somerset Centre joining in with the singing and laughter – there was generous applause at the end of each song or piece of music, and a real sense of fun and entertainment. As well as providing
entertainment, the musical performances showcased the exceptional talents of our musicians who played some generational classics, including Abba!
The Community Cooking group had prepared a delicious afternoon tea, with sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls and profiteroles, traditional scones with jam and cream, and a Victoria sponge cake dusted with icing sugar in the shape of the Roedean deer!
you organised for the Somerset Centre! All the members had a fantastic time, the food was so beautifully presented and delicious! This day will leave a lasting memory with our members.”
The event was a great success and an opportunity for the Roedean students to show hospitality, teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. The Somerset Centre members had a great time, and it was a wonderful experience for them to interact with the younger generation and to visit Roedean on a nice sunny Spring day.
After the event, The Somerset Centre wrote to say, “We would like to thank you and all the students for the wonderful tea party
Special thanks go to all the wonderful Year 12 students involved in this event – you were great ambassadors for the School and gave our guests an afternoon to remember. Thanks also to Ms Bartlette and Ms Hills who co-ordinated the music and cooking groups so successfully.
Miss Kelsey
Chapel – Sustainability
Mrs Pashley: Today, we come together to talk about something that affects us all, our planet.
I would like to begin by taking a moment to acknowledge that tomorrow is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate women’s achievements and recognise the ongoing work toward gender equality. Women and girls have been at the forefront of environmental activism for generations, from scientists and policymakers to grassroots leaders fighting for climate justice. Their contributions remind us that sustainability and equality go hand in hand.
As Kerry McCarthy, Minister for Climate Change and Net Zero (2024), said: “Much more work is needed to keep 1.5°C within reach and prevent climate catastrophe. Through collective action, we can deliver change at the scale and pace required.” Empowering all voices creates stronger, more resilient communities.
In 1306, King Edward I issued the first air quality law, banning sea coal burning in London. Centuries later, scientists linked coal to climate change, and today, coal production is finally declining. This history highlights the complexity of climate solutions, involving science, culture, technology, and politics.
Sustainability is about making choices that protect the environment, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the world as we do now. Climate change and environmental issues can feel overwhelming, but small actions lead to big change. Every day, we hear about rising temperatures, extreme weather, and plastic pollution. Rather than fear, let’s focus on hope and solutions.
Our Eco-Council and community are working toward Eco-Schools Green Flag Status, tackling energy, waste, and biodiversity. Through dedication and small, everyday choices we have a huge impact in creating a greener, more sustainable school.
Let’s hear about some of the sustainable goals we have already achieved, and how we can all play a part in making a difference.
Martha: Roedean's Eco-Code is EARTH. It is the only planet in the Solar System that can support life in all of its forms, from simple living microorganisms to highly sophisticated and intelligent humans. The code stands for:
E – Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables to keep healthy
A – Always care for animals and plants
R – Recycle and reuse as much as you can
T – Turn off your taps and lights to save water and energy
H – Help to keep our school clean and tidy
Sophia: Eco-Council have been exploring ways to reduce energy waste in our school. Did you know that leaving a single classroom light on for an hour wastes enough electricity to power a laptop for nearly three hours? Imagine how much energy is wasted across the school when lights are left on in empty classrooms!
Emma: That’s why we’ve launched an awareness campaign to encourage everyone to turn off the lights when leaving a room. If you’re the last one out, switch them off! It takes just a second but, if we all do it, we can make a real difference.
In the UK, 46% of energy still comes from fossil fuels. By reducing our consumption, we lower the demand for these non-renewable resources and help combat climate change. Energy-saving habits start small but can have a powerful impact.
Ellen: Waste is a major environmental challenge, especially in schools. Think about how much plastic we use daily, from laminating sheets to stationery supplies. Globally, 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced every year. If we truly want to make a change, schools like ours can lead the way by making better choices: reducing, reusing, and recycling using our designated bins. At Roedean, we are proud to be part of the Plastic Free Schools initiative, working to eliminate single-use plastics in our daily activities. One example of this is our book swap programme, where older students donate textbooks to younger years, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Vanessa: Another exciting project with Ms Reesink-Wells is the biopolymers initiative, where we’re developing sustainable materials that could one day replace plastic laminating in schools. This innovation highlights the link between science and sustainability. Reducing waste isn’t about perfection but making better choices. Every time we reuse, recycle, or refuse unnecessary plastic, we contribute to a more sustainable future.
Martha: Sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste or saving energy, it’s also about protecting the natural world around us. We want to highlight the importance of biodiversity. We are incredibly fortunate that both our school grounds and Brighton are home to a rich variety of species.
At Roedean, we have been growing the rare Early Spider Orchid, an endangered plant species in the UK. Projects like this play a key role in protecting plant life for future generations. We’ve also created a Nature Trail to log our biodiversity, taken part in the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch, and next week planting 150 sapling trees. This helps conservation efforts and raises awareness about the wildlife we share our environment with.
Haewon: Looking ahead, we have an exciting new initiative, our future Wellness Garden. This space will not only promote mental well-being but also support local biodiversity. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and boost happiness. This garden will be a peaceful place for students and staff to relax, reflect, and reconnect with nature, while also providing a habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies.
Ellen: This reminds us that sustainability isn’t just about saving the planet, it’s about building a healthier, happier future. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, will guide our Climate Action Day on June 13th. This impactful event will strengthen our school’s commitment to sustainability, aligning with the Green Flag Award and these global goals. Together, we’ll foster environmental awareness and activism, empowering students to lead the way toward a more sustainable future.
Mrs Pashley: Caring for the environment isn’t just about big movements, it’s about daily choices. Climate change can feel overwhelming, but we can choose to act. Innovation also plays a key role, from biodegradable materials to energy conservation and smarter resource use.
As you leave today, consider one small change you can make: turning off lights, recycling waste correctly, using a reusable bottle, or appreciating nature. Sustainability isn’t just about the future; it’s about what we do today. With innovation, action, and hope, we can make a difference together.
Lindo – Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for the beautiful world that we live in and the opportunities we have to enjoy it. We pray that you would help us to look after the world, stewarding our own resources wisely and doing what we can, however small, to protect our world so that future generations can enjoy it too. Amen
The U15C team got back to winning ways in impressive form against Lancing College.
After a lengthy warm-up the girls were fired up and went ahead by 7 in the first quarter. Claudia and Anya were shooting goals in from everywhere, and there was great feeding by Molly and Lois. In the next quarter, Sorrel went over to Lancing to play for them, due to an injury and no subs, which meant all girls could play and get a game in. Sorrell did brilliantly, working hard and putting her own teammates in the firing-line under pressure.
In the final two quarters, we went full versatility due to the score line, which gave the players the opportunity to try new positions and gain more confidence when playing in matches. The final score was 39-6 and the team performed brilliantly throughout the match with lots of changes in the process.
Impressive Performance for U15C vs Lancing U15A Netball vs Lingfield
Mr Campleman
Netball vs Brighton College
U13D's Unbeaten Run Continues with Triumphant Win
The U13D team continued their winning ways against Brighton College this week with a very impressive performance, and with some changes and opportunities for girls in the team below to put their hand up to be considered for places moving forward in this Netball term.
The match started well, with Roedean going 4-1 up, and Stella and Emma gaining more and more confidence to put the ball in from anywhere in the circle. In the second quarter, the defence was strengthened and the gap increased to 7 points. We then changed things round and switched up positions a bit to give players the opportunity to try new positions and build confidence out of position.
The final score was 13-2 to Roedean – it was a super performance and they remain unbeaten this term! The attacker of the match was Stella and the defender of the match was Zara, both of whom played their first matches for the U13Ds, coming up from the E team – very impressive indeed!
Mr Campleman
U12C
The U12Cs had a great game against Brighton College on Wednesday. We got an early lead in the first quarter. Desire (GS) and Bethany (GA) were getting the goals in and we managed to get a 4-1 lead. Deema (C) and Mattie (WA) were working well as a team, making sure they were driving into space and being patient with their ball passing, waiting for someone to get free before passing the ball. In defence, we had a solid team: Emma (GK) was against a very tall GS, but she is so springy, and she was managing to jump up high and tip or intercept. Daisy at GD brought the energy and was always trying to get free for a pass and bringing the ball through the mid-court. Marvel (WD) did her best to keep up with her super speedy WA and was making tips and intercepts down in the goal third.
We went up 6-2 in the 2nd quarter, 11-3 in the 3rd, and won the match 13-5. A highlight of the match was the girls working the ball around the shooting D and not forcing the ball in to the shooters. This meant we were able to get the ball close to the post and take shots from a short distance. It was great that the girls were able to put what we had worked on in practice, into their match.
■ Player of the Match: Marvel (WD)
■ Coach’s player: Mattie (WA)
Mrs Patching-Jones
The U15A Netball team delivered a brilliant performance in their recent match against Lingfield, securing a well-deserved victory. The team demonstrated great teamwork, skill, and determination throughout the game, culminating in a comprehensive win.
From the first whistle, the U15A side took control of the match. Their defensive unit was solid, with Lula, Maud, and Amber making interceptions and forcing Lingfield into several turnovers. The attacking players, Poppy, Amelia, and Izzy moved the ball with precision and speed, creating numerous scoring opportunities. In the second quarter, Yan Yan came on, bringing excellent energy and composure to the game.
As the match progressed, the U15A team maintained their intensity and focus, never allowing Lingfield to get back into the game. The final whistle blew with the U15A team celebrating a comfortable victory, winning 3512. Well done everyone.
Miss Walsh
This Week in Boarding...
House 1 always look forward to Bingo night, with an array of prizes up for grabs! The girls were busy over the weekend, working hard in the ODR making chocolate crispy cakes for the whole House to enjoy together. Boarders spent time together making friendship bracelets for each other, whilst having a good old natter!
House 2 made the most of the beautiful sunshine and went to such an effort to sort out a spread of snacks to have a lovely picnic outside on the quad. They weren’t too pleased about the seagull visitors! Boarders baked cookies, enjoying them warm straight from the oven with bagels, hot drinks, and chats. A few Belgian boarders, assisted by Miss Roe's Dutch skills, had a wonderful discussion with the South Africa exchange students comparing the Dutch and Afrikaans languages. Pancake night arrived, and girls put their pancake flipping skills to the test! It was decided that the all-time classic toppings of lemon and sugar were the best!
House 3 enjoyed an evening of baking, with a 4-legged friend to help, and were rewarded with homemade muffins straight from the oven! Girls got creative when it came to pizza night, using pizza dough as a canvas, and colourful vegetables to create a yummy masterpiece. To continue with the floral crafts, boarders used a variety of dried flowers to decorate glass jars, which were then used as vases for fresh daffodils – it certainly is looking like Spring! There was a mini fashion show, as girls received their brand new House 3 hoodies, which they are super proud to wear!
House 4 had a wonderful time at their House social when they went bowling. Competition was fierce, but the highest scores were amongst the Housemistresses! Girls were then treated to a refreshing slushie – would you choose blue or red? Over the weekend, girls got creative with icing, decorating biscuits and brownies, and, of course, enjoying every last crumb! House 4's favourite day of the year arrived – Pancake Day. There was no shortage of toppings, as boarders piled on Biscoff spread, chocolate
spread, strawberries, and squirty cream!
Keswick boarders made the most of a well-earned weekend of sunshine! Some explored the Laines for a shopping day with friends, others enjoyed a scenic dinner at the marina, and a few even took on the challenge of the Brighton Half Marathon! To top it all off, students also joined in the fun on National Tater Tot Day, celebrating with some delicious crispy bites.
Lawrence boarders had a fun evening making toasties, with their favourite tunes blasting in the background! To mark St David's Day, the girls had an afternoon tea, complete with plenty of leeks and daffodils, and a lovely recitation of 'Under Milk Wood' by Dylan Thomas. Ms Diplos enjoyed being involved with the Senior Baking Club so much that she returned for more this week – this time, it was chicken tacos!
Miss Barnett
Netball vs Sevenoaks
U14E
The U14E Netball team played an exciting and competitive match against Sevenoaks on Saturday.
Both teams displayed great sportsmanship, energy, and determination throughout the game. From the start, Sevenoaks proved to be strong opponents, applying pressure with their aggressive defence and quick attacks. However, Roedean adapted quickly, with some impressive passing sequences and solid positioning on both ends of the court.
Our shooters worked hard to convert opportunities, while the defence worked well, frustrating the opposition's attackers. Despite a few early turnovers, the team worked cohesively and held their ground. By the end of the first half, the score was 6-1 to Roedean.
During the rest of the game, we made some changes, which did not affect our play at all, Everyone was given equal opportunity on court and some players were able to try something new. Well done to everyone – it was a great end to the week, and another win for Roedean 16-13.
Miss Walsh
U14A Come From Behind to Steal the Win
On Friday evening, the U14A Netballers travelled away to Sevenoaks. With just seven players, due to illness and injury, the team knew they would need to fight hard in this battle. We were a little sluggish to start, and found ourselves losing our first centre to a turnover and struggling to find a safe route into the D. A few more turnovers went to the opposition and some rushed decisions saw the team 10-16 down going into the second half.
With some positional changes, the girls started to find their rhythm. Yasmin and Kayla, with excellent ball speed, helped to deliver safe balls to the shooter, and Matilda and Eva worked wonderfully as a partnership to create space for each other in the D. The score was 17-23 going into the final quarter. It was at this point that the team turned up the heat; Naomi, Maddie, and Chiara were on fire in defence, making countless turnovers and helping to break the opposition’s press. With Eva and Matilda barely missing a shot, the girls managed to turn a 5-goal deficit into a 2-goal win! Well done to Maddie and Matilda for being named the opposition’s MVP.
Miss Kirby-Jones
U15C's First Defeat vs Strong Sevenoaks
The unbeaten U15C Netball team were at it again this weekend against a tough opposition in Sevenoaks. The sun was shining and the wind kept at bay, meaning that we had a really competitive match. After a good warm-up, the team started well, only going down by 1 in the first quarter, although they found it tough throughout the court against better opposition.
In the second quarter, both teams' defence tightened up, with only 4 points scored in the entire 12 minutes. The third quarter opened up. and the girls really stepped it up, winning the quarter and bringing the gap down to 2. The final quarter was a barrage of attack by both teams with Sevenoaks managing a short 3 minute period at the start which was a step too far for the girls to drag back and the match ended 22-16.
Mr Campleman
U15D Take a Brilliant Win
On Saturday, our U15D team enjoyed a match in the sunshine against Sevenoaks. The team started off strongly, with Ava and Sana’a moving the ball quickly through court, not allowing Sevenoaks to get any intercepts. With some excellent turnovers from Hannah and Lois, we were 7-2 up after the first quarter. We continued to push on in the second quarter extending our lead further. In the third quarter, Sevenoaks came back at us, but with some calm composed play from Lola and Bethany, we continued to convert our turnovers. There was excellent shooting all game by Anya, Miranda, and Lillian, and the final score was 33-8 to Roedean. It was a super strong performance from all players involved. Well done team!
Miss Hammond
U14E
Going the Extra Mile: Mancy and Galina Conquer the Brighton Half-Marathon
Congratulations to Mancy and Galina in Year 13 for their incredible achievement in completing the Brighton half-marathon! Not only did they take on the challenge with dedication and determination, but they also raised money in support of breast cancer. We are so proud of their hard work and commitment to such an important cause – well done!
Dr del Campo
Florence Flourishes at the South Theatre Arts Festival
Congratulations to Florence (Yr9), who competed in the South Theatre Arts dance festival over half-term.
She had a hugely successful festival, where she was awarded Gold in Senior Tap, Gold in the Senior Lyrical Duet, Silver in Senior Character, and Bronze in a large and tough Senior Lyrical category.
This is an incredible achievement – well done, Florence!
Miss Abaza
We welcome contributions from all parts of the Roedean community. If you have something you would like featured in the Head’s Weekly Review, please email: aws@roedean.co.uk
Sports Stars of the Week
Well done to this week's sporting stars!
Alia, for excellent progress and performances in Netball
Year 8
Lily, for an outstanding attitude and superb effort in Netball this term
Year 9
Rosa, for fantastic progress in PE this term
Year 10 Sana’a, for her outstanding effort and brilliant attitude in Netball this term
Year 11
Alicia, for her fantastic effort and performances in Netball Year 12
Isabella, for a great performance for the 1st Netball Team Year 13
